With the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina less than two years away, a major cloud of uncertainty has been lifted regarding the participation of the world's top ice hockey players. Olympic organisers have declared they are "100%" confident that the National Hockey League (NHL) will not withdraw its players from the Games, even as the new hockey arena races to complete final touches.
Arena Delays Spark Headlines and Concerns
The journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics has been bumpy for the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Construction delays have dominated headlines for weeks, raising significant questions just as the NHL prepares to return to the Olympic stage for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games. The women's tournament is scheduled to open on February 5, 2026, with the men's competition running from February 11 to 22.
The NHL itself had expressed serious concerns about the construction progress and the quality of the ice surface. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated last month that the league would not hesitate to keep its players home if any safety issues were identified. This warning put immense pressure on local organisers to deliver a world-class facility.
"100% Confidence" from Olympic Officials
Despite the visible work remaining, top officials are projecting unwavering assurance. When asked about the likelihood of NHL participation, Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for Milan Cortina, was emphatic. "100%, 100%," he declared on Friday.
His confidence was echoed by Pierre Ducrey, the International Olympic Committee's sports director. "I'm very confident they will be here and it's going to be extremely exciting," Ducrey said. He highlighted the twelve-year effort to bring the NHL back, adding, "So, yeah, you will have NHL players here in February and it is going to be amazing."
Critical Test Event Underway
The proof is now being put to the test. A crucial three-day test event, long-awaited after a previously scheduled December event was cancelled due to delays, is currently happening at the arena. An NHL delegation is present to inspect the facility firsthand. The league is expected to release an official statement following this visit.
On the ground, the arena still shows signs of ongoing work. During a recent visit, seats were missing and plastic sheeting was abundant. However, organisers insist these are merely "finishing touches." Francisi explained the importance of the test matches: "The next two days will be really very important because they will allow us, having three matches a day, to test exactly the days as they will be in the Olympics."
While International Ice Hockey Federation President Luc Tardif earlier this week suggested parts of the arena might not be fully finished on time, Ducrey dismissed any doubt. He asserted there is "no chance at all" the venue won't be ready for competition, noting that progress is on track with their plans.
The final push is now on to ensure the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is not just complete, but perfect, for the return of Olympic hockey's biggest stars. The world will be watching when the puck drops in February 2026.
